Cleveland Indians notes: San Diego Padres make rare April visit to Cleveland

If you’re wondering why the Indians and San Diego Padres are playing each other in early April in Cleveland, in the rain and the cold, instead of in San Diego, in the sun and the warmth — you’re not alone.
So is Indians manager Terry Francona.
“I’d rather be playing these games in San Diego,” he said.
The reason the Indians and Padres aren’t playing in San Diego is simple.
“It’s the new schedule. It’s the way it is,” Francona said. “With interleague play, with the unbalanced schedule, there are so many quirks in the schedule. That’s why you just go where they tell you.”Roster move
Pitcher Frank Herrmann has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A Columbus. Herrmann was designated for assignment on March 30.
Herrmann missed all of the 2013 season while recovering from elbow reconstruction surgery. In 15 relief appearances for the Indians in 2012 Herrmann had a 2.33 ERA.
Swinging in the sunshine
For only the second time this season, the Indians on April 8 took batting practice outside. Bad weather had prevented the Indians from outside pregame batting practice in five of their first six games.
“Batting practice can be overrated as you get deeper into the season, but now, it’s not overrated. Our guys need the repetition, they need to be out on the field,” said Francona.Sad news
Prior to the playing of the national anthem April 8 a moment of silence was held in honor of 27-year-old Michael Hirschbeck, who died of unknown causes April 8. Hirschbeck is the son of umpire John Hirschbeck, who was scheduled to work the Indians-Padres series, but is with his family.
Michael Hirschbeck served as the Indians’ batboy during his younger years. John Hirschbeck had a second son, John Drew, die in 1993, at age 8, of a rare brain disease known as adrenoleukodystrophy.Making history
Thirty-nine years ago, on April 8, 1975, Frank Robinson became the first African American manager in major league history when he led the Indians to a 5-3 win over the Yankees. Robinson was a player/manager, and he hit a home run as the DH in his first at bat of the game.
The second baseman for the Yankees that day was Sandy Alomar, father of Indians coach Sandy Alomar Jr.Notes
The Indians were 11-9 in interleague play last year and their all-time record vs. the National League is 148-155. ... Carlos Santana celebrated his 28th birthday April 8. ... In the homestand finale, a doubleheader April 9, the Indians will start Zach McAllister (0-0, 6.75) and Trevor Bauer (0-0, 0.00) against lefties Eric Stults (0-1, 11.25) and Robbie Erlin (0-0, 0.00).